Fujitsu Siemens 
One of the cheapest on the market, but a low price often means low quality!!
Durability With light use may last 2-3 years, but with heavy use will often develop faults after 1 year.
ProblemsSpare parts can be reasonable
- Newer models can also still have a tendency to overheat
- Keyboards wear out quicker than other makes
- Screens often fail (but no more than ACER)
- Motherboards often fail once warranty finished
- Power sockets not strong and often break
SupportThe support is very poor
WebsiteOften easy to find drivers and support on website
Bottom LineGenerally these are fragile machines, but if you cant afford better try not to move it around a lot and use on flat surfaces to prevent overheating
Acer 
Often low cost – but unfortunately there are often repair problems – So if you can afford more – remember you get what you pay for.
Durability Most develop some fault within 2 years.
ProblemsRepairs are often a lot cheaper but more frequent
- Problems with keyboard can be common
- Screens fail quite often
- Old Aspire models have poor hinges and break easily
- Power sockets can break easily
- Batteries don't last very long and might cause mouse freezing problems
SupportFair support considering the price of the product
WebsiteEasy to navigate for driver downloads sometimes very slow when downloading
Bottom LineACER is possibly better than Fujitsu Siemens but for heavy usage we would recommend investing in a better make. Extensa is a better model than Aspire
Sony 
Screen picture quality is the best on the market. Generally the most expensive laptop (but not always the best). Currently the brand still sells well but who can tell what the future will bring!
Durability For the price paid one expects more durability. Power sockets hardly ever break or loosen. Repairs are generally easy to do.
ProblemsEasy to repair but difficult to find spare parts, which are usually costly.Many of these problems are for older (2007) models
- The motherboard fails frequently – especially if dropped
- Batteries can cause charging circuit board failures
- Keyboard failures
SupportDifficult to get through to support via phone and often not that helpful. Most of the time need to send machine back for repair
WebsiteEasy to navigate but is frequently slow in loading
Bottom LineSuggest purchasing longer warranty. Try to avoid models earlier than 2008 as they are less durable.
Toshiba 
Toshiba has enjoyed the industry’s respect, but in the past 5 months, We have seen an increase in number of repairs in our computer repair business.
Durability Generally well built with very strong casings.
ProblemsOften difficult to diagnose and repair
- Recent battery charging faults (some 2007 models)
- Motherboard to screen connection issues (screens remaining very dark)
SupportSupport is superb. With good answering times and technical knowledge
WebsiteDifficult to navigate and need to follow directions explicitly when installing drivers or some devices may not work
Bottom LineFor the same price you can get a better Dell laptop, although some of the latest model’s offer unbeatable lightness and compact size
HP
Some of the older models lack style but currently we think they are producing some of the best looking laptops in the market!
Durability All old models from the NC range (2 years ago) are good, even lasting longer than newer models.
ProblemsDifferent series have had various problems requiring repair or redesign. Repair parts from website can be costly
- Pavilion models frequently suffer graphics card failure
- Screen switch in some series malfunction but HP have changed the design of the newer 2008 models
SupportHP has acknowledged problems with Pavilion and will repair these laptops for free even if warranty has elapsed – way to go HP!!
WebsiteSupport website is easy to navigate but modeling numbering can be confusing. It is easy to get lost on the spare parts website (www.partsurfer.hp.com)
Bottom LineAvoid buying HP with Nvidia card at any cost as they all fail
Dell
Solid laptops built with quality parts. Better than equivalent ACER, Fujitsu Seimens, Toshiba or Sony laptops. Online purchases can be customised to your specification and style
Durability Excellent – especially the Latitude models
ProblemsRepairs are infrequent and are usually caused by physical damage or spillage. Spare parts are easy to find and generally not costly
- Nvidia graphics card on XPS models tend to overheat and cause motherboard failure
SupportSupport is very good with live chat for warranty machines. Spare parts are usually next day service.
WebsiteEasy to navigate with open forum for troubleshooting problems.
Bottom LineVostro Business Series – the ultimate choice for business people. Refurbished Dell Latitude D600 or Inspiron 6400 are excellent choices.
Posted: July 7, 2011
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